General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Nursery Award Classification Levels 2025–26

Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000033

Your classification level under the Nursery Award determines your minimum pay rate. Being classified one level too low can cost you $2–4 per hour — more than $3,000 per year for a full-time worker.

Classification levels

Level 1Nursery Employee Grade 1A

Base rate: $24.28/hr · Casual: $30.35/hr

Level 2Nursery Employee Grade 1B

Base rate: $24.95/hr · Casual: $31.19/hr

Level 3Nursery Employee Grade 2

Base rate: $25.38/hr · Casual: $31.73/hr

Level 4Nursery Employee Grade 3

Base rate: $26.55/hr · Casual: $33.19/hr

Level 5Nursery Employee Grade 4

Base rate: $28.12/hr · Casual: $35.15/hr

Level 6Nursery Employee Grade 5

Base rate: $31.06/hr · Casual: $38.82/hr

Level 7Nursery Employee Grade 6

Base rate: $33.82/hr · Casual: $42.28/hr

See also: Pay rates by classification | Am I being underpaid?

Source: Classification levels are defined in the Nursery Award (MA000033), published by the Fair Work Commission.

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